Well-known TV, film and stage actor Rakesh Bedi is looking forward to more shows of his hit play, “Jab We Separated”, which he has also written.
“This play deals with the issue of marital discord. My character is that of the neighbour of the feuding couple (Shweta Tiwari and Rahul Bhuchar) is a solo living 60 year old, who no one cares about. He keeps giving unsolicited advice which at first irks the couple, yet in the end they are forced to concede that the old fogey does talk some sense.”
“Although there is a lot of humour in it, like every good play we also extol a social message. Ironically, at first the biggest reason of divorce was cited as over-interfering folks. But today, despite the fact that most couples live alone, they can’t get along. Current divorce rates are much higher than before.”
Here Rakesh, who has been part of hit TV shows like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Sriman Srimati and Yes Boss, says, “The most important thing is to have good clean humour. No wonder, when I write I make sure not to have double meaning stuff, which for short time might give you guffaws from the audiences, but you will then lose their respect. Decent comedy on the other hand will not only be remembered for years, but you also get love and adulation, which every artist hankers for.”
“Sadly, today the level of TV humour has dropped a lot because of over interference from channel EP. Back in our day, we were allowed full creative liberty. After being around for 4 decades, why will I do anything to harm the product or my reputation. But if you start micro managing, things will surely go for a toss.”
Rakesh, who has been an old stage hand for years, says that the charm of theatre brings him back into the arc lights. “The biggest attraction is the immediate reaction. Also, stage allows you to get out of your TV sets where you slog for days at end. And last but not the least, you also get to travel all over the world with your troupe. Even our latest play will have international sojourns.”
Rakesh, who is also doing Angoori Bhabhi’s (Shubhangi Atre) colourful alcoholic father in Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain, credit’s the love the character is getting from the audience to his. skill of playing him in such a way that endears him to audiences in spite of his shortcomings.”